nagaland-s-hornbill-fest-draws-86-000-visitors-in-five-days

The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s much-celebrated "festival of festivals," has attracted an impressive 86,640 visitors within its first five days at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, according to state tourism authorities.

 

Joint Director of Tourism, Toka E Tuccumi, reported that among the attendees were 1,715 international tourists, 22,546 domestic visitors, and 62,379 local attendees.

 

The annual 10-day event, marking its silver jubilee this year, commenced on 1 December and has become a magnet for cultural enthusiasts and tourists.

 

The festival, a key tourism initiative of the Nagaland government, offers an array of cultural performances, indigenous games, and musical showcases, highlighting the state’s rich heritage.

 

On the fifth day, attendees enjoyed traditional performances by Nagaland's 18 recognised tribes under the theme “Cultural Connect,” organised by the Department of Art and Culture.

 

Adding to the celebration, partner state Sikkim contributed unique cultural presentations, reflecting the shared heritage of India’s northeast.

 

The Naga tug-of-war competition, organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, proved to be a crowd-puller. Participants clad in traditional attire competed with zeal.

 

The Angami tribe emerged as champions in both the men’s and women’s categories.

 

The Garo and Konyak tribes secured second and third places in the men’s segment, while the Sangtam and Kachari tribes followed in the women’s competition.

 

The festivities extend beyond traditional displays. The Hornbill International Music Festival, held every evening, showcases performances by international, national, and local bands and artists, providing a contemporary flair to the cultural celebration.

 

For the first time, the festival’s activities are not confined to Kisama but have expanded to other districts, including Dimapur, Phek, Wokha, and Zunheboto, offering a wider reach and greater inclusivity.

 

The Hornbill Festival continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant mix of culture, art, and music, reinforcing its status as a premier celebration of tribal heritage and a vital tourism draw for Nagaland.